(4) K-3 Premier Presidents series. The cursory presidential biography series continues. The texts, written in short, choppy sentences, provide little in the way of detail or new information, but an age-appropriate layout features a large font, plenty of white space, and several captioned photos or paintings. Trump focuses (by publication-date necessity) on the 2016 campaign and his pre-presidency business ventures. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Premier Presidents titles: Donald Trump, James Monroe, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George H. W. Bush, Andrew Jackson, Grover Cleveland, James Carter, and Woodrow Wilson.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) 4-6 Mysteries of History series. In clear, concise text with plenty of images, this engaging narrative of the mystery surrounding the Nazca Lines in Peru touches on theories about their meaning and purpose. With frequent inserts (and an appendix) of comprehension activities, publisher's links, and writing prompts, the series is more focused on core standards than general research. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) 4-6 Wild West series. This series presents condensed information about the development of the American West in the 1800s (e.g., the Louisiana Purchase; building the Transcontinental Railroad) and the people who helped shape this region. Although details are limited, these books may inspire a deeper curiosity about this colorful historical period. Sidebars, maps, captioned archival photographs and paintings, and back matter activity prompts add interest. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Wild West titles: Famous Lawmen, The Oregon Trail, The Pony Express, The Louisiana Purchase, Notorious Outlaws, Women of the American West, and The Transcontinental Railroad.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Daily Life in US History series. Designed to engage students for Common Core standards, these United States history books present their material in various ways, including simplified summaries, quotations from primary sources, "perspectives" sidebars, suggested activities and discussion questions, and "Day in the Life" segments. Archival photos and/or period-style illustrations break up the chapters. There are four other spring 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Daily Life in US History titles: Life During the Industrial Revolution, Life During the Revolutionary War, Life During the Great Depression, and Life on the Frontier.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA Civil Rights Leaders series. Wells-Barnett was encouraged "to go to school and learn all [she] could." Her education secured her a teaching certificate and a byline in the Living Way, a leading African American newspaper. With her indomitable spirit and incisive words, Ida condemned lynching and other injustices against black citizens. Hinman's accessible, well-researched biography champions a remarkable woman. Archival photographs are included. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(3) YA Xtreme Athletes series. Patrick focuses on Danica's drive and determination to excel in a male-dominated sport. Phelps provides a look at a young man's swift rise to Olympic gold. The volumes don't shy away from their subjects' personal struggles and public mistakes but are ultimately concerned with detailing their impressive ascents to the top of their sports. Photographs and informative sidebars support the texts. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Athletes titles: Danica Patrick and Michael Phelps.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) YA Modern World Leaders series. By placing the featured leader in a historical context, this series, part history and part biography, challenges the reader to consider the concept of leadership. Each book features a comprehensive discussion of the subject's childhood experiences and rise to power, significant historical events, international relationships, and ideology. The text is dense; some photographs and drawings help break up the pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Modern World Leaders titles: Jacques Chirac, Tony Blair, George W. Bush, Hugo Chávez, The Saudi Royal Family, Pope John Paul II, Vladimir Putin, and Pervez Musharraf.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) YA Despite a slight bias in favor of Du Bois's philosophical and political ideologies regarding race relations in America, this well-written biography presents an intelligent interpretation of his relationship with his contemporary, Booker T. Washington. A readable text and color, sepia, and black-and-white illustrations chronicle Du Bois's scholarship and activism as he championed education, socialism, and finally Pan-Africanism. Sources, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr